High Gear, December 30, 2015

Today's weather was seasonably cool, cloudy, and damp.  Not the best, not the worst, just so so!  Inside the Ridge the Social Committee had set up an nice cheese and snack table, opposite a table filled with glasses of white and red wine, and assorted soft drinks.  This seemed to be a neat gathering place for the slightly smaller than normal crowd of attending Rotarians.  Thanks to Ceil Collins and Bob Buettner for putting the spread together.

 

At about 12:20 president Marc called us to order, and we sang and pledged, and listened to Mo Moshovos deliver the Invocation.  Mo asked that we give Honor and Praise to our God and that He give us guidance throughout the year to come.  As has been the custom of late, we headed to the buffet table to fill our plates with roasted potatoes, baby carrots, sliced turkey and salad.  Dessert was a slice of apple pie.  Not a great meal, not a bad meal, just so so.  Kind of a redundant day!

 

After lunch we were reconvened by President Marc.  Guests were introduced, Bob Beechnor from Goodwin College,  Bev Saunders, Bill's wife of 54 years, and son Scott visiting from the South.  The welcome song was led by Dan Larson and Bill Saunders - that should teach you to be careful about bringing guests!

 

Next up was Sgt. at Arms Bob Buettner with a long list of generous Rotarians who felt the need to repent or celebrate as the case may be.  First, in a rigged fine, 12 Rotarians for having their picture in the paper for delivering I-Pads to Mayberry School - pet project of Sgt. At Arms Buettner,  Bill Saunders generously contributed in honor of Bill and Bev's 54th wedding anniversary, only to be trumped by Bob and Debby Wood's 55th anniversary, Nick Cecere paid in advance for his upcoming trip to Aruba, Happy Jack Martin paid because Mary wasn't here, Anwar Hossain paid because he left his Rotary badge in a rental car, George Schoen paid for a great UConn Husky basketball win, and several other no pin, no badge infractions.  All in all, a good haul.

 

In other business, our thoughts are with the Amberg family.  Son David is still in a coma, and on Monday, Dave's brother, Bryan, died in Florida.  Jack Sayre thanked all of the Rotarians who rang the bell, and mentioned that 50 Interact members helped out.  The Board voted Monday to contribute the profits from the lottery raffle and over run cash from the holiday party to subsidize the Mystery Ride bus on May 7th.  Last week the club collected $400 for Shelter Box lighting - a big thank you from Peter Klock!  The Club is hoping to get two tables together for the Mayor's Ball on March 12th.  More to follow.

 

Dan Russell was the big raffle winner.  Two Make Ups were noted for Janice Freschlin. Thus ended the regular meeting!  Annual Meeting to follow.

 

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Highlights from the the annual meeting:  Election of officers - President - Bill Saunders, President Elect - Susan Hansen, Secretary - Susan Hansen (Until 12/16) - Treasurer - Mary Martin, - Past President - Marc Glass, Director Emeritus - Bob Wood, Directors - Bob Buettner, Michael Kerrigan, Ned Lynch, Jack Sayre, Wes Willett, and Alex Wisz.

 

Treasurer Bill Saunders gave a brief run down on our financial status and obligations.  Our Current balances as of 12/29/15 for checking - $9,607.57, for savings - 9,404.64, for a total Operational account of 19,012.21.  Our Charitable fund on 12/29/15 is $38,752.69.  We have paid YTD $20,394.21 from the Charitable Account, and expect to donate the remainder during the second half of Marc's term.

 

'til my next shift, Bob Wood